The pair were best mates in Manchester when Solskjaer was at United and Martinez at Wigan.

They spent their time away from the training ground playing the popular computer game 'Championship manager'.

And Solskjaer last night revealed how he never lost to his former pal on the computer.

Now he needs to do it for real.

The pair come face to face at Goodison Park this afternoon as City chase a second successive league win for the first time this season.

But Martinez needs the points too as the Toffees dream of a Champions League spot.

Everton will start as red hot favourites although Solskjaer will remind Martinez of their days in front of the television screen.

"Roberto is a good friend of mine, I have known him since Jordi Cruyff, me and him were good friends in Manchester," said the Cardiff boss.

"I always knew he would make a manager because the three of didn't have much else but coaching and management to talk about, even when we were players.

BUDDY: Martinez and Solskjaer were good friends when Solskjaer was at Manchester United and Martinez was at Wigan [GETTY]

“I will remind him that I was always the best at playing the game”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

"The three of us have probably got more manager and coach in us than player.

"We were the types of people who played Championship Manager on Fifa. That has always been me and that has always been Roberto. Jordi is now technical director in Tel Aviv too.

"I think we could have seen that back then. But I will remind him that I was always the best at playing the game."

Victory over Fulham last week was the perfect tonic for the Bluebirds.

It was also the best possible response after their 4-0 beating against Hull in their previous home game.

Solskjaer has never been one to shout and scream at his players, but he admits to having read the riot act to his squad.

"I said you really need to buck up your ideas at both ends of the field. That was where we were lacking.

"We had the majority of play between the two boxes.

"But it doesn't help when you get into their box on 90 occasions against Hull and Wigan and they get into ours on only 20, yet in the two games they score six and we score one. It's about confidence and belief and maybe that bit of cahonas.

"We need to get on the end of things and maybe break your nose once in a while."